Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

NEXT Retail Ltd.; Lewes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An early years educator organization in Lewes is offering an Early Years Educator apprenticeship. The role involves planning engaging activities, supporting children’s development, and working collaboratively to maintain a safe learning environment. Apprentices will receive structured training while earning a wage, gaining valuable hands-on experience, and exploring career progression opportunities within early childhood education.

Benefits

Discounted travel

Exclusive discounts at over 350 retailers

Reduced council tax

Qualifications

• Passion for working with children aged birth to 5 years.
• Ability to create a safe and engaging environment.
• Willingness to undertake regular training and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering engaging activities.
• Observe and monitor children's progress effectively.
• Support children during meal times and daily routines.

Skills

Assist in planning activities

Promote learning through play

Observation and assessment

Effective communication

Understanding child behavior

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate activities
• Promote learning through play in line with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework
• Create a safe and stimulating environment
• Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming learning spaces
• Follow safeguarding and health & safety procedures at all times
• Observe and monitor children's progress
• Record observations and contribute to assessments and development plans
• Share relevant information with senior staff and parents as needed
• Promote positive behaviour and social skills
• Encourage kindness, sharing, and respectful behaviour
• Use positive reinforcement and model appropriate conduct
• Assist with daily routines
• Support children during meal times, toileting, dressing, and nap times
• Help establish consistent routines for comfort and stability
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and parents
• Communicate effectively with team members, children, and families
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and follow data protection policies
• Follow nursery/setting policies and procedures
• Adhere to guidelines for safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and diversity
• Support in ensuring the setting meets regulatory and quality standards
• Recognise when a child or a colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse and act to protect them in line with safeguarding policy and procedure
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the setting (for example, food safety, diets, starting solid food, allergies, COSHH, and accidents, injuries, and emergencies)
• Apply the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice
• Teach children to develop skills to manage risk and maintain their own and others safety
• Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet the individual needs of the child
• Develop and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in the education and care of the child
• Undertake the role and responsibilities of key person
• Recognise and apply theories of attachment to develop effective relationships with children
• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years
• Advocate for all children's needs, including children which require SEND or EAL support
• Promote and facilitate children's interpersonal communication to develop their social interactions and relationships
• Support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture
• Support children to understand and respond to their emotions and make considered choices about their behaviours
• Assess the responsiveness of the environment for effective child-centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements
• Create inclusive, child-centred, dynamic, innovative, and evolving physical environments both indoors and outdoors
• Create inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables the child to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing; maintaining and prioritising the individual child's voice
• Apply strategies that support children's ability to manage change, transition, and significant events
• Analyse observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the child's needs and interests
• Facilitate and support child-centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Provide adult led opportunities and experience based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Use reflection to develop themselves both professionally and personally

Training and progression

As an apprentice, you\'ll receive regular training alongside your job to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role. At least 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, which includes study time, workshops, and learning activities. You\'ll be working to complete the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which will include any required Functional Skills in English and maths.

Training is delivered either online or in person at our training centre in Hackney, offering flexibility to suit your needs. You\'ll be supported by experienced tutors and assessors throughout your apprenticeship, ensuring you stay on track and successfully complete your qualification.

Roles and progression

• Senior Practitioner or Room Leader - overseeing a team within a room, leading planning and observation, and supporting less experienced colleagues
• Deputy Nursery Manager - supporting the nursery manager in daily operations, compliance, safeguarding, and staff development
• Nursery Manager - leading the entire nursery setting, ensuring high standards of care and education, team performance, and regulatory compliance

Advanced qualifications

NextStep Training offers Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner and Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner qualifications. These can be delivered flexibly, online or in-person, with dedicated support from our tutors and safeguarding officers. Further progression can include moving into school-based roles such as Teaching Assistant or SEND Support, becoming a Trainer, Assessor, or Mentor for apprentices, or pursuing a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies, leading towards EYTS or QTS.

Additional information

Our structured training and support ensure that every apprentice has a clear and achievable pathway to long-term success in the Early Years sector. Being an apprentice at NextStep Training means earning while you learn, gaining hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications. You\'ll receive expert training, personalised support, and a clear pathway to career progression. Benefits include discounted travel, exclusive discounts at over 350 retailers, and reduced council tax.

Wage: £13,741 for your first year, then may increase depending on age and National Minimum Wage rates for apprentices. Pay will increase after the first 12 months of the apprenticeship.

Training course: Early years educator (level 3). Hours: Monday to Friday, varied shifts between 6:30am - 6:00pm. No weekends. 35 hours a week. Start date: Wednesday 29 October 2025. Duration: 1 year 6 months.